Julia G. Toohey, 96
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Julia Grace Toohey, 96, of 137 West Main St., died Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, at Williamstown Commons with her loving family by her side.
Born in North Adams on Dec. 2, 1914, daughter of Gregorio and Theresa Fuoto Fiorientino, she graduated from Drury High School and the former Bliss Business College.
Mrs. Toohey was the first woman manager in the country for Sears, Roebuck & Co. in its North Adams store. After raising her family, she returned to Sears, where she worked for 25 more years until her retirement in 1981.
She was a communicant of the former St. Anthony of Padua Church, where she was a member and past officer of its Rosary Society and an active volunteer at its annual bazaar. In her youth, she was an avid swimmer and tennis player. She was a member of the Drury Band Booster Club and enjoyed gardening, reading and taught piano. An accomplished pianist, she played in a trio at local events and was an accompanist for her daughter Kathleen's singing engagements and auditions. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
Following her 90th birthday in 2004, she was awarded a certificate of recognition by the city of North Adams for her contributions to the family, civic and religious life in the city.
Her husband, William P. Toohey, whom she married on April 28, 1945, died on Oc. 17, 1982.
She leaves two daughters, Kathleen Toohey-Carbone of North Adams and Elizabeth Toohey-Mazzu of Woodbridge, Conn.; two grandchildren, Gregory A. Mazzu of Boston and Andrea B. Mazzu of Chicago, and a niece and nephew, Teresa Cermenaro Kenny of Cheshire and Anthony R. Cermenaro of Nashua, N.H.
Her sister, Mary Cermenaro and her husband, Alfred, and her a son-in-law, Anthony Carbone, are deceased.
FUNERAL NOTICE — The funeral for Mrs. Toohey will be Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 10:15 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Monday, Oct. 24, from 4-7 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA & Hospice of North Berkshire in care of the funeral home.